Planning my first and probably last trip to Hawaii - there are just so many places in the world I want to go that I am not sure that I will make it back.

So...what is unmissable? What are things that Hawaii has that are unique in the world and really make it special?

Not yet sure how long I can afford to stay, but so far I am planning on spending at least a couple days on the Big Island to see the volcano. Maui's volcano also sounds interesting as does Kauai's north shore.

Would love to hear suggestions!

Any idea what time of year (month or season) you are planning your trip

Mrs T received some suggestions for Maui in a similar previous post:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...t=0&dirtyBit=1

Oops. Wrong link above

Correct link:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34594663

Probably around late April to early May of 2006. Too late to see the whales, it sounds like. Thanks for the link - both the road to Hana and the crater sound amazing!

I think the single most amazing thing about Hawaii is how good it smells there.

Kauai sights:
1. Kee Beach snorkeling, on a calm day.
2. NaPali coast trail (for rugged hikers, or do helicopter or boat/snorkeling tour) entrance at Kee Beach, where the road ends, north shore.
3. Explore Waimea canyon (Hawaii's Grand Canyon)

Big Island:
1. Visit "Place of Refuge" An ancient hawaiian park. www.nps.gov/puho
2. Snorkeling Boat Trip to Captain Cook Memorial, aboard Fairwind II or Sea Quest Raft from Keauhou
3. Waipio Valley Overlook/Tour

Oahu
-has many historic musuems, Pearl Harbor etc.
Sights:
1. Snorkel inside an extinct volcanic crater, Hanauma Bay
2. Drive up the scenic windward coast to the North Shore, detour to check out scenic Lanikai and Kailua beaches.

If you're on the Big Island, try to see Mookini Heiau and Kamehameha I's birthplace near the town of Hawi. Mookini is one of Hawaii's oldest and largest sacred sites; Kamehameha's birth was legendary. It's hard to get to these spots (windy, desolate place) but worth it. Hawaii's native people are unique in the world.

On Oahu, Iolani Palace is worth a visit. Although not impressive like Versailles-type palaces, it has the distinction of being the only royal palace in the United States.

Buying SPAM masubi at a gas station. How many gas stations outside of Hawaii sell sushi?

Does anyone know if there are any other green sand beaches in the world besides South Point on the Big Island?

The road to Hana,also on Maui,don't miss Maui tropical plantation!

Lots of info in this thread. I like Oahu the best.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34653502

A couple of days on the Big Island should be good. Maui for 2-3 days and you can take the bicycle tour from the top of Haleakala in the morning. The road to Hana is an adventure also, The best luau on the islands (arguably)is The Old Lahaina luau.
On Kauai, see the Na Pali coast by helicopter and then the Poipu Beach area.
On Oahu, make a quick visit to Waikiki early in the day and then visit Pearl Harbor. North Shore is beautiful and is devoid of the commercial trappings of Waikiki. You can also hike to the top if Diamond Head and get a great panorama of the south shore.

On the Big Island, the Place of Refuge Nationial Historical Park and Volcanoes National Park - hot lava entering the ocean - unforgettable.

We have visited the state of Hawaii three times in the last 5 years. These are some of the places we recommend.

Hawaii - Hawi (Northwest), South Point (Green Beach), Tsunami Museum in Hilo, Laupahoehoe Park, Waimea Valley and definitely snorkel (Body Glove).

Maui - If you go in April you may still be able to get a glimpse of some whales...we did. Take a sunset cruise out of Lahaina or Kaanapali. Haleakela is a must see, Iao Valley is a quick trip after visiting Haleakala, We took a helicopter tour on Maui and it was exceptional. (Blue Hawaiian) After doing that we did not need to get caught up in the traffic going to Hana

Kauai - Snorkel Kee Beach (good for all levels) Kauai Sea Tours to Na Pali Coast on a Kodiak raft (incredible), kayak any river (only island with navigable rivers.), Kileaua Lighthouse, Take a hiking trip in Kokee State Park (includes Waimea Canyon) and whatever you do eat at Duane's Ono Burger located on the roadside in Anahola (Get an "Island Boy" burger...it's wonderful and I don't typically eat burgers.)

If you do snorkel and don't have your own equipment you can rent it from Snorkel Bob's on any the Hawaiian islands and return to any. Good equipment.

For budget conscience, consider buying the Entertainment Book for Hawaii. Sometimes one coupon more than pays for the whole book which can typically be purchased for $10-15 in the spring since each year the books come out in October.

Relax and have fun!

On the main island of Hawaii, even better than taking a snorkel boat to Capt. Cook's Memorial is kayaking there yourself. There are a few local places to rent a kayak pretty cheaply, and they will more often than not strap the kayak to your car for you. Such a fun time, especially considering that the bay is teeming with dolphins. Also, when you're in Volcano National Forest, there is a wonderful B&B just down the street from the forest entrance in Volcano (a tiny town). It's called Volcano Bed & Breakfast, and a great place to meet other travelers. Plan on seeing the lava flow at night -- it's spectacular. A good plan of action for the day -- hike in the daylight, have dinner, and then drive to see the lava at dusk. Plan on bringing a sweater or light jacket on the Hilo side of the island: it can get pretty chilly and wet.

Kauai - I have a fav's list, but the one thing that stands out the most was hanging my feet over the ledge of the trail at the Pu'u O Kila lookout in Waimea Canyon and just enjoying the moment!

Depending on when you are going, every October in Koke'e Park, there is the Alaka'i Festival. Very local, very fun and very glad to have been a part of the celebration!

The only place in the world that the Silversword Plant grows is on Haleakala Crater on Maui. And Hawaii has Nene Geese as well (no webbed feet).

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!
Looks like I have some hard decisions to make as everything sounds amazing.
Thanks for the tip about the entertainment book, rxishere.